Sometimes packaging design goes beyond functional and the design becomes an entirely new facet of the product. The NARS x Steven Klein An Abnormal Woman matte velvet lip pencil coffret ($65) is in that category. Honoring the edgy work of photographer Steven Klein (some of his images are to the right), this metallic bullet-shaped container has a burnished warm finish and plenty of edge. This set combines three (3) Velvet Matte Lip Pencils (typically sold at $26 each), which are some of the absolute best in the business in their high-concept packaging. The weight and metallic glow of the coffret is substantial and interesting.

An Abnormal Woman comes with these universal colors in the Velvet Lip Pencil: Sex Machine, Dragon Girl, and 413 BLKR.

Liz is wearing 413 Blkr Street.

One attribute that sets NARS as a company apart is its willingness to go all-in on its special packaging. Some of my all-time favorite makeup items of all time are the NARS Andy Warhol items (some are featured here) and the Guy Bourdin items. This Steven Klein collaboration has all of the same brilliance and excellent execution.

Every year, NARS releases a small capsule collection of extraordinary single eyeshadows that should not be missed. This year’s NARS Steven Klein collection is no exception:

Stud: an extraordinary shimmering taupe with a touch of metal.

Never Too Late: a beautiful complex soft satin green

Mortal: A warm shimmering white

I was particularly impressed with Stud and Never Too Late, these are both worthy of the label “high end luxury” colors. The taupe Stud really surprised me–I had thought I’d seen every possible variation of shimmering taupes. Not so! There is something edgy about Stud that is incredible.

You do need one more taupe in your life–NARS Stud. Both Stud and Mortal have a similar shimmery-metal texture. Stud’s a clear winner–it’s amazing. Mortal is too, however some readers might approach brighter, pigmented whites a little differently than they do a taupe. Both are highly reflective, have excellent pigmentation and apply with buttery softness with excellent blendabilty.

Never Too Late is lovely. NARS seems to excel at creating unusual neutrals. Sometimes I think of colors like Never Too Late as a “neutral with a twist”–that type of color looks so good with winter colors. You can never get enough of these colors.

Eyeshadow, NARSComments Off on Review and Swatches: Nars Dead of Summer Palette

Dec092015

NARS Steven Klein Dead of Summer palette ($49), is a four-pan presentation of Dual Intensity Eyeshadows designed to be worn either wet or dry, together with a mini black eyeliner. I love the Dual Intensity formula, in the singles some of the shades are remarkably complex and beautiful. Nars Steven Klein Dead of Summer includes:

These colors work beautifully together. The soft light gold is an ideal highlight for the inner corner. The soft rose and burgundy compliment each other beautifully. Of course, the deep black is a must to create a dramatic look, or to strengthen the liner color for an ultra-black line.

This is a brilliantly designed palette in terms of the coordination of colors, uniqueness, and usability. Once again, the NARS brilliance shines through. There’s always something so useful, yet unexpected. The formula of the eyeshadows was a touch more rigid and stiff compared to the Dual Intensity eyeshadow singles, and some lacked complexity. At this price point, however, Nars Dead of Summer is a beautiful, artistic find that remains eminently usable throughout the year. The pigmentation and color is excellent.

I’m growing very fond of this palette format. Although NARS has always provided packaging that packs and travels well, this recent release of this more squared version has a straight and portability that wins my heart.